9 Ways to Celebrate the Child Within

This week is officially the “Week of the Young Child” and today is Celebrate Children Day in Wisconsin.

Boy, this is right up our alley. In celebration of all of the fabulously inspiring shorties out there, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that you don’t have to HAVE kids or WORK with kids in order to celebrate children. Raise your hand if you used to be a kid…

Wow…you all raised your hand. Sweet.

This should also be an opportunity to celebrate the child within — that little spirit left behind in a world that grows foggier and farther away with each additional birthday candle.

Here are a few ways to celebrate the child within this week…

1. Mini-Me Memory Lane
Take a trip to the distant land of your childhood by looking through old photos. Take the time to recall the details in the pictures, like the toys you were playing with, the pictures on the wall in the background, or your Dad’s paisley shirt. Identifying these trivial elements will help to spark treasured memories.

2. Do-Over
Pick one of your favorite childhood activities and do it. It could be a simple game of whiffle ball, blowing bubbles, making something cool from a lump of Play-doh, or just a bike ride — whatever you choose make sure it’s something you haven’t done in years. Invite your loved ones to join you.

3. Lifelong Friend
You wouldn’t be who you are today without the influence and guidance of some key adults who loved you unconditionally. Make a phone call or write a letter to the grown-up who encouraged you to enjoy your childhood, celebrating the child you were way back when. If that special person has passed away, get in touch with a close contact of that person and share a great memory with him or her. You’ll surely make their day.

4. Tuning in Yesteryears
Watch your all-time favorite childhood movie or TV show. Youtube is filled with countless clips of shows, movies, and even old commercials. I can’t help but feel five when I watch one of the classic Charlie Brown holiday specials. Disney movies, like Snow White or Cinderella, are instant time machines as well. And don’t forget the comedies of the past — like I Love Lucy and Three Stooges. Here’s a list to get some inspiration.

5. Look Back List
Make a list of all of things you remember about your childlike self. Were you spunky? Fearless? Funny? Then, take some time comparing that little you with your current adult self. What traits have stayed with you? What attributes need some dusting off? Taking time to think about this will help you be more conscious about maintaining that childlike spirit that once ran freely.

6. Yesterday’s Yummies
Eat your favorite childhood food. The reason comfort foods are comforting is because we often subconsciously associate that food with a positive part of our childhood. Think about your top comfort foods and the memories you have with them. Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls remind me of relaxing afternoons after school, watching Brady Bunch and chilling before dinner. Need some ideas? Check out our All-Time Greatest Childhood Food tournament.

7. Hunting the BFF
Inevitably, we all have a former childhood friend we’ve lost touch with. Of course, with inventions like Facebook, maybe you’ve already found one another. If that’s the case, email her and reminisce about old times. If you still have a BFF in the wind, spend some time doing a little research to see if you can make a long overdue connection.

8. Day Dream Believer
Think back on your childhood dreams of who you wanted to be and what you wanted to experience in life. What were your core motives for those dreams? Have you accomplished them? For instance, if you wanted to be a professional ice skater, don’t beat yourself up for missing out on the Olympics. Think about WHY you wanted this. Maybe you were interested in individual athletic competition, the artistic costumes, or the sweeping music. Do any of these former interests connect with anything you do today? Analyzing childhood dreams is a good way to see if you are on the right track with your current endeavors.

9. Learn from George
In honor of the childlike curiosity still within (even if it’s buried pretty deep), take some time to exercise your wondering muscles. Go to a museum or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Check out an interesting book at the library or spend some time learning about something fascinating online. Like Curious George, it’s okay to get a little messy and/or create a little mayhem in the process — after all, it wouldn’t be childlike without a little adventure.

What will you do this week to celebrate the child within? Let us know in the comments!